Bangladeshi realtor dies within hours of liposuction in Kolkata

KOLKATA: Janab Safiuddin Mahmud, a Bangladeshi real estate developer died in a Kolkata hotel on Thursday just hours after he underwent liposuction at one of south Kolkata's private hospitals.

The 56-year-old was reportedly "released" by the hospital soon after the procedure.

He reportedly started bleeding from the two perforations made for the procedure and then suffered a massive heart attack.

Police say Mahmud who weighed 127kg had come to the city on April 1 to consult his doctor. On Wednesday he checked into the day care facility of the hospital around 1pm and was taken to the operation theatre at 4.30pm. The operation was "successfully" completed in the evening and Mahmud was back in his hotel room by 11pm.

According to Rahamatullah, a close aide of the victim for four decades, Mahmud began bleeding from the two holes made near his chest and stomach by late night. "Around 7.30am on Thursday, I began to realize that Mahmud was sinking. I called the hotel staff. By the time a local doctor arrived, Mahmud had turned cold. The Park Street police said it appeared like a case of medical negligence but they have not started making inquiries because the family is yet to file a complaint," said Rahamatullah.

Mahmud was a father of three sons. "He wanted to be fitter and wanted to surprise his family with his new look. That is why he spent a considerable amount of time trying to find the best doctor and the best place for the surgery," said Rahamatullah. Medical records show that 22kg of excess fat was removed by the hospital in a few hours, say police. But hospital sources said it was "absurd" and that 3 litres fat were removed.

Hotel manager Pradeep Sarkar remembered how Mahmud greeted the staff when he returned to the lodge on Wednesday night. "He called us and asked whether he looked different. He offered us generous tips before he left. He looked genuinely happy. On Thursday morning, when he was lying motionless on bed, I went through his medical records and called his surgeon. He replied that I should call a local doctor. I decided to call police along with the doctor," said Sarkar.

The doctor who carried out the surgery claimed that "two friends" of the victim also wanted to undergo liposuction. They had undergone blood tests on April 8 though it was only Mahmud who underwent the procedure. While Rahamatullah was one of them, the other "man" was seen coming out of the hotel room after dropping Mahmud on Wednesday night. Hotel manager Sarkar said the third person had not checked in with the other two.

"I am sure that this death has nothing to do with the surgery as he had walked home. Though he had high blood pressure and blood sugar, both were under control, I believe that there is more to this case than what appears on the surface," the doctor said.

Police said inquest proceedings have begun after the post-mortem was completed at Medical College. "We have informed the Bangladesh High Commission and expect Mahmud's family to contact us any time now," said an investigating officer.

A high-ranked Bangladeshi High Commission officer said they were yet to hear from the victim's kin. "The decision to file a complaint lies entirely with his family. We are aware that the post-mortem is being carried out right now. We are keeping a watch on the developments," said the official.

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